Black pepper is perhaps the most well-known and most used spice in the world. An integral part of culinary heritage around the world, it is unique and diverse at the same time. Making up a quarter of the world's spice trade, black pepper is the most important seasoning from an economic point of view. In spite of, or perhaps as a result of, its diffusion, few consumers know where it comes from. Originating in Southeast Asia, Piper nigrum spread to Malaysia over 200 years ago in the fertile state

Hedychium is a large genus that attracts a large and obsessive horticultural. The species also cross pollinate freely, and a wide variety of hybrids have been developed in cultivation or found growing in the wild. The wild species are often interfertile, but from time to time they decline to co-operate. In the open ground in the UK they often fail to flower. The evergreen varieties in particular require a longer growing season than is usual here. Developing flower buds in October or November ar

Cloves are the aromatic flower buds of a tree in the family Myrtaceae, native to the Maluku is lands in Indonesia, commonly employed as spice. Cloves are harvested primarily in Indonesia, India, Madagascar, Zanzibar, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and the largest producer, Pemba Island, just off the coast of Tanzania. The clove tree is an evergreen growing to 8–12 m tall, having large leaves and sanguine flowers grouped in terminal clusters. The flower buds are begin a pale hue before gradually become gree

Cinnamon is a spice obtained from the inner bark of several trees from the genus Cinnamimum that is used in both sweet and savory foods. While Cinnamomum verum is sometimes considered to be "true cinnamon", most cinnamon in international commerce is derived from related species, which are also referred to as "cassia" to distinguish them from "true cinnamon". Cinnamon is the name for perhaps a dozen species of trees and the commercial spice products that some of them produce. All are members of t

Cardamom refers to several plants of the similar genera Elettaria and Amomum in the ginger family Zingiberaceae. Both genera are native to India, Nepal and Bhutan; they are recognized by their small seed pods, triangular in cross-section and spindle-shaped, with a thin, papery, outer shell and small black seeds. Guatemala is the biggest producer and exporter of cardamom in the world, followed by India. Some other countries, such as Sri Lanka, have also begun to cultivate it. The Cardamom Hills

Nutmeg oil is a volatile essential Oil from nutmeg (Myristica fragrance) containing bomeol and eugenol . The essential oil is obtained by the steam distillation of ground nutmeg and is used heavily in the perfumery and pharmaceutical industries. The oil is colorless or light yellow and smells and tastes of nutmeg. It contains numerous components of interest to the oleo chemical industry and is used as natural food flavoring in baked goods, syrups (Coca Cola), beverages, sweets etc. It repl

The nutmeg tree is any of several species of trees in genus Myristica . The most important commercial species is Myristica fragrant an evergreen tree indigenous to the Banda Islands in the Moluccas of Indonesia. The nutmeg tree is important for two spices derived from the fruit nutmeg and mace. The first harvest of nutmeg trees takes place 7–9 years after planting, and the trees reach full production after 20 years. Nutmeg is usually used in powdered form. This is the only tropical fruit tha

Allium sativum , commonly known as garlic , is a species in the onion genus, Allium . Its close relatives include the onion , shallot , leek , chive and rakkyo. With a history of human use of over 7,000 years, garlic is native to central Asia and has long been a staple in the Mediterranean region, as well as a frequent seasoning in Asia, Africa, and Europe. It was known to Ancient Egyptians , and has been used for both culinary and medicinal purposes. A llium sativum is a bulbous plant . It g

The seeds and leaves of methi (fenugreek) are readily available and widely used in Indian kitchen. They have a strong aroma and a bitter taste. But when used in small quantities they impart flavor to your food. It is commonly used in curries, vegetable dishes and dals n ot to forget the mouth-watering methi paratha . Methi contains protein, fiber, vitamin C, niacin, potassium, iron and alkaloids. It also contains a compound diosgenin which has estrogen-like properties, as well as steroidal as

Bay leaf (plural bay leaves) refers to the aromatic leaves of several plants used in cooking. These include :- Fresh or dried bay leaves are used in cooking for their distinctive flavor and fragrance. The leaves are often used to flavor soups, stews, braises and pâtés in Mediterranean cuisine. The fresh leaves are very mild and do not develop their full flavor until several weeks after picking and drying. California bay leaf – the leaf of the California bay tree, also known as California laurel,

Indian spice Essential Oils are of complex composition and contain aldehydes, alcohols, esters, phenol in varying proportions. Since these specialty oils have a very strong aroma and are highly volatile, they are used as a raw material in flavoring and perfumes. This Oil has traditionally been used for therapeutic value. These Oils have that the properties of the spice or herb they are derived from. These aromatic and volatile oils are extracted from the leaves, stems, and flowers of a plant. Aj